California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) recently welcomed the newest addition to its University Relations and Development Division as Terri M. Carbaugh began her duties as the campus’ associate vice president for legislative and external relations.

In her new role, Carbaugh will manage a wide range of CSULB-based advocacy efforts and represent CSULB to community officials and to elected representatives and their staffs. Her responsibilities will also include management of media relations and internal communications.

“In today’s political and economic environment, legislative advocacy for higher education has never been more important,” said CSULB President F. King Alexander. “With Terri’s background and experience in both higher education and state government, she will be a strong advocate for Cal State Long Beach and the CSU system as we move forward to put the interests of the university and the system on the front burner in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.”

Carbaugh comes to CSULB from Sacramento State, where she served as interim director of state and federal relations. Prior to that, she provided direct support to California Attorney General Kamala Harris as chief deputy attorney general for policy and administration.

She has extensive experience with strategic messaging on behalf of higher education and state and local governments. She served in the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office as vice chancellor for communications, in the California Governor’s Office as press secretary for First Lady Maria Shriver and deputy press secretary for former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. She also served in the California Secretary of State’s Office as chief assistant Secretary of State.

While working for the California State Assembly, Carbaugh developed legislation and directed statewide media campaigns that helped achieve important public policy objectives.

“I’m proud to have been appointed to serve as a lead advocate and spokesperson for Cal State Long Beach. I welcome the opportunity to work closely with President King Alexander and his extraordinary team of faculty and staff as they endeavor to graduate California’s next generation of skilled workers,” Carbaugh said. “University officials at ‘The Beach’ have earned a well-deserved reputation for placing the interests of students above all else. When students succeed, the social and economic well-being of California blossoms, and I’m thrilled to serve in this capacity.”